Chance at Childhood
Law and social work
Advocate for children and families across systems.
Offered jointly by the MSU School of Social Work and MSU College of Law, the Chance at Childhood Certificate cross-trains students interested in legal advocacy for abused, neglected and at-risk children and families.
Why it matters
Children need effective advocates in complex court systems.
Thousands of children enter family court through child-protection and domestic-relations cases, while others become involved in guardianship matters through probate court. Whatever the legal issue, children may face an interconnected set of legal and nonlegal concerns and need advocates who can provide an informed, independent voice.
Program components
Complete coursework and hands-on interdisciplinary practice.
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SW 879 · Social Work and Law
Complete the three-credit fall course, Social Work and Law: Interdisciplinary Practice in Child Welfare.
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College of Law elective
Complete a two- or three-credit law elective in the MSU College of Law Family Practice sequence.
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Specialized field placement
Complete a placement in the Chance at Childhood Law and Social Work Clinic during either the generalist or advanced year.
Academic standard: Each required component must be completed satisfactorily with a minimum grade of 3.0.
Certificate contact
Joe Kozakiewicz, JD, LMSW · kozakiew@msu.edu